The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (2024)

Table of Contents
Slow down moisture The Products for High Porosity Hair Verb Hydrate Styling Cream Pattern Heavy Conditioner Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Replenish Shampoo Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask As I Am Coconut CoWash Conditioner Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard SH-RD Protein Cream Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt Leave-In Treatment Meet the Experts How I Chose Products for High Porosity Hair Best Styling Cream What We Like What We Don't Like Verb Fast Facts Best Conditioner What We Like What We Don't Like Pattern Fast Facts Best Gel What We Like What We Don't Like Camille Rose Fast Facts Best Shampoo SheaMoisture Fast Facts Best Leave-In Conditioner What We Like What We Don't Like Aveda Fast Facts Best Hair Mask What We Like What We Don't Like It's A 10 Fast Facts Best Co-Wash What We Like What We Don't Like As I Am Fast Facts Best Sculpting Gel What We Like What We Don't Like Mielle Fast Facts Best Protein Cream What We Like What We Don't Like SH-RD Fast Facts Best for Curly Hair What We Like What We Don't Like Redken Fast Facts Best Repair Mask What We Like What We Don't Like Wella Fast Facts Best Hair Oil What We Like What We Don't Like k18 Fast Facts Additional Experts Frequently Asked Questions What Is High Porosity Hair? What Is High Porosity Hair? What Should a Haircare Routine for High Porosity Hair Look Like? What Should a Haircare Routine for High Porosity Hair Look Like? How Often Should You Style High Porosity Hair? How Often Should You Style High Porosity Hair? Beauty and Cultures Editor Why You Should Trust Us References

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Slow down moisture

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (1)

By Chelsea Candelario

Published Jul 31, 2024

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The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (2)

PureWow

There’s always so much talk about low porosity hair, but what if your hair holds too much moisture (or loses it rather quickly)? For those with high porosity hair, I’ve got you covered. If you fall into this category, you often may deal with dryness, frizz or breakage. Luckily, strengthening strands and preventing excess moisture is totally doable with the right products. Whether you’re looking for a new shampoo or ready to swap for a nourishing leave-in styler, I spoke to five hairstylists to share the best products for high porosity hair.

IN THIS ARTICLE

  • Our Picks
  • How I Chose Products for High Porosity Hair
  • What to Consider When Shopping for Products for High Porosity Hair
  • FAQ
  • Why Trust PureWow

The Products for High Porosity Hair

1

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (3)

Best Styling Cream

Verb Hydrate Styling Cream

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2

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (4)

Best Conditioner

Pattern Heavy Conditioner

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3

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (5)

Best Gel

Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel

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4

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (6)

Best Shampoo

SheaMoisture High Porosity Moisture Replenish Shampoo

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5

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (7)

Best Leave-In Conditioner

Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner

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6

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (8)

Best Hair Mask

It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask

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7

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (9)

Best Co-Wash

As I Am Coconut CoWash Conditioner

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8

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (10)

Best Sculpting Gel

Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard

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10

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (12)

Best for Curly Hair

Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt Leave-In Treatment

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Meet the Experts

  • Juli Akaneya is a New York-based hairstylist who specializes in editorial, advertising and high fashion looks. She has previously worked with brands like Maybelline, L’Oreal, Verb and Veronica Beard.
  • Bea Carmichael is a hairstylist and global educator for Aveda. She has 25 years of experience, specializing in color, cutting and styling. She has previously trained teams around the world in business and styling skills. Now, she develops live and digital courses for Aveda salons and institutes.
  • Jennifer Thomas is a Beverly Hills-based stylist with over two decades of experience. She specializes in hairstyling, cutting and coloring. Thomas has styled the hair of numerous celebrities and world-class entrepreneurs.

How I Chose Products for High Porosity Hair

I tapped five professional hairstylists to share their tips and product recommendations. As experts who work on different hair types, they were able to provide their selections for high porosity hair. From there, I did some research on each product, paying specific attention to key ingredients and rave reviews to be able to compile this extensive list of the best products for high porosity hair.

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Best Styling Cream

1. Verb Hydrate Styling Cream

What We Like

  • non-greasy formula
  • pleasant scent
  • great for minimizing frizz

What We Don't Like

  • some reviewers didn't appreciate the light hold

Verb

If you’re looking for a styling cream, Akaneya recommends this moisturizing formula from Verb. It has argan oil and babassu oil to lock in moisture, plus ceramides that work to improve shine and elasticity. The cream also has a light hold, so you can forget about it weighing down your locks. “It’s a lightweight cream that can be used as an air dry product or a pre-blow out cream,” adds Akaneya. “You can build on it or use it alone—and it smells so good.”

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: argan oil, babassu oil, ceramides
  • Scent: amber, warm jasmine
  • Best For: frizz, dryness

Best Conditioner

2. Pattern Heavy Conditioner

What We Like

  • moisturizing
  • easy to detangle hair
  • great for minimizing frizz

What We Don't Like

  • thick texture
  • hard to get product out the bottle

Pattern

Pattern has loads of products dedicated to high porosity hair, but this heavy conditioner is high on reviewers’ list. It’s rich in safflower seed oil, jojoba oil and shea butter, which work together to maintain moisture and definition. Shoppers say it’s nourishing and has a creamy texture that’s great for detangling after washing your hair. It’s especially great for those with coily hair as it eliminates frizz and adds softness.

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: safflower seed oil, jojoba oil, shea butter
  • Scent: neroli, rose, patchouli
  • Best For: dryness, color-treated, curly hair, coily hair

Best Gel

3. Camille Rose Aloe Whipped Butter Gel

What We Like

  • great for defintion
  • sweet scent (like "butter cream frosting")
  • offers light hold

What We Don't Like

  • some reviewers say it has a strong scent

Camille Rose

This gel is praised for its moisturizing ingredients and offering a light hold. It has key ingredients like macadamia oil, which prevents breakage and seals in moisture, along with almond extract to condition strands. It also has aloe vera, which is known to retain moisture and promote healthy hair growth. Whether you prefer to use it on wet or dry hair, the gel provides great definition and tames frizz.

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: aloe vera, almond extract, macadamia oil
  • Scent: sweet
  • Best For: dryness, curly hair, fine hair

SheaMoisture has an entire line for high porosity hair, starting with this shampoo that aims to cleanse and refresh dry, damaged hair. It has a blend of oils—including mongongo, jojoba and baobab—nourish strands. The formula also includes aloe vera and shea butter for even more moisture. Shoppers say it offers a deep cleanse and a rich lather that will make your scalp and hair very happy.

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: mongono oil, jojoba oil, baobab oil, aloe vera
  • Scent: shea butter
  • Best For: frizz, dryness

Best Leave-In Conditioner

5. Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner

What We Like

  • pleasant scent
  • lightweight formula
  • improves shine

What We Don't Like

  • finicky pump
  • pricey

Aveda

Carmichael recommends the whole Nutriplenish line, but praises the leave-in conditioner for high porosity hair. “It offers 72 hours of hydration and has a UV filter that protects hair from drying effects of the sun,” she says. “It’s a must-have for anyone with high porosity hair. I love to use it as a pre-shampoo treatment for extra hydration benefits.”

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: organic pomegranate seed oil, sand ginger
  • Scent: cocoa, ginger, cardamom
  • Best For: detangling, dryness

Best Hair Mask

6. It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask

What We Like

  • adds softness
  • great at minimizing frizz
  • suitable for chemically-treated hair

What We Don't Like

  • pricey

It's A 10

According to the experts, a hair mask is essential to preventing moisture loss and combating frizz. This conditioning treatment delivers smoother and softer locks, while treating any moisture imbalance. It has keratin and hydrolyzed collagen to protect strands, along with apricot kernel and sweet almond oil to improve flexibility, shine and overall health of your hair. One reviewer says it best: “It is so worth it and I will say the key to my healthy long hair. I notice a big difference when I am using it consistently. Please give it a shot! Honestly the best hair mask I have ever tried.”

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: keratin amino acids, hydrolyzed collagen, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil
  • Scent: sweet
  • Best For: dryness, thick hair, chemically-treated hair

Best Co-Wash

7. As I Am Coconut CoWash Conditioner

What We Like

  • pleasant scent
  • nourishing ingredients
  • improves shine

What We Don't Like

  • might feel drying for some hair types

As I Am

A co-wash gives you the best of both worlds: cleansing and conditioning. It has two main ingredients—shea butter and coconut oil—to add and maintain moisture. The creamy texture also offers a nice slip and helps remove any product build up. Fans say it does a great job at softening hair, minimizing frizz and it smells like a coconut vacay.

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, castor oil, palmetto
  • Scent: coconut
  • Best For: dryness, color-treated hair,

Best Sculpting Gel

8. Mielle Pomegranate & Honey Coil Sculpting Custard

What We Like

  • great for defining curls
  • pleasant scent
  • moisturizing

What We Don't Like

  • some reviewers have experienced white residue

Mielle

This styling custard promises to improve definition and enhance your curls. Whether you have 3A or 4C swirls, this gel is moisturizing without weighing down your hair. Packed with babassu oil, coconut oil and honey, the formula combats dryness, dullness and frizz. Plus, shoppers can’t get enough of the pleasant scent.

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: pomegranate extract, honey, citrus extracts, babassu oil, coconut oil
  • Scent: sweet
  • Best For: dryness, dullness, curly hair, coily hair

Best Protein Cream

9. SH-RD Protein Cream

What We Like

  • safe for color-treated hair
  • provides UV and thermal heat protection
  • improves shine

What We Don't Like

  • pricey

SH-RD

Whether you have frizz, chemically-treated and/or damaged locks, this protein cream works to repair and replenish hair. The salon-approved formula features silk protein, rosemary extract and vitamin B5, making it an essential product backed by Thomas. She tells me, “The best products are those that contain protein and moisture. My go-to is this protein cream from SH-RD. One of its special ingredients include silk protein, which helps tame frizz and gives shine. It works wonderfully as a leave-in conditioner, especially for porous hair to use just a dab extra [of product]. It also slicks down as well and will leave hair shiny, while giving your hair a healthy dose of protein.”

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: rosemary extract, vitamin B5, hydrolyzed silk protein
  • Scent: n/a
  • Best For: dryness, dullness, damaged hair

Best for Curly Hair

10. Redken All Soft Mega Curls Hydramelt Leave-In Treatment

What We Like

  • pleasant scent
  • gentle formula
  • adds softness

What We Don't Like

  • not suitable for wavy and/or thick hair

Redken

Hair colorist and texture expert Leysa Carrillo suggests this leave-in treatment for your curls and coils. Its key ingredient, aloe vera, works to hydrate and lock in moisture. The formula also includes Inca Inchi oil, which helps minimize frizz and strengthen strands. Simply put, the nourishing combination delivers on bringing softness and shine to dry hair.

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: aloe vera
  • Scent: aloe
  • Best For: dryness, curly hair, coily hair

Best Repair Mask

11. Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Hair Mask

What We Like

  • creamy texture
  • great for smoothing down hair
  • safe for color-treated hair

What We Don't Like

  • strong scent

Wella

Hairstylist Dereq Clark recommends applying this repairing hair mask once a week. Why? It’s infused with AHA and omega-9, which targets dullness and damaged locks. The creamy texture also promises to improve shine, smooth down frizz and repair from within. He shares, “I suggest this product because the mask can provide intense hydration and repair damaged cuticles. The nourishing formula also has a lightweight texture that won’t weigh down the hair.”

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: omega-9, AHA
  • Scent: n/a
  • Best For: damaged hair, dullness

Best Hair Oil

12. K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil

What We Like

  • pleasant scent
  • helps minimize frizz
  • lightweight formula

What We Don't Like

  • thin consistency
  • pricey
  • not great for fine hair

k18

If you’re dealing with massive frizz and a lack of shine, this hair oil should be on your radar. It’s designed to strengthen strands (no split ends here), tame frizz and improve shine. Rich with peptides, squalane and avocado oil, the combo helps to reverse any damage and lock in moisture. Shoppers say all you need is a few drops for silky, smooth locks.

Fast Facts

  • Key Ingredients: peptides, squalane, avocado oil
  • Scent: light
  • Best For: frizz, split ends, dullness
  • Invest in sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. “These are specifically formulated to hydrate and [add] moisture the hair without stripping any of the natural oils,” says Carmichael.
  • Look for moisturizing products. Since high porosity hair craves moisture (sans frizz and buildup), the experts recommend lightweight oils, serums or creams. Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter and aloe vera as “these ingredients help to moisturize and seal the cuticles, improving the overall health and appearance of the hair,” shares Clark.
  • Incorporate protein treatments into your routine. Carrillo notes, “Protein treatments and gentle handling are crucial to maintaining your hair health.”
  • Avoid alcohol-based products. “Avoid dry shampoos, texture sprays and hairspray,” says Akaneya. “Highly porous hair is usually dry, frizzy and lacks shine, so these products will only add to it. Any products with too much alcohol or powder will further dry out the hair and enhance frizz.”

Additional Experts

  • Leysa Carrillo is a hair colorist and texture expert based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with over 12 years of experience. She is also a brand ambassador for Redken and is nationally recognized for her hair color transformations on textured hair and continues to pave the way with her artistic flair and creative techniques.
  • Dereq Clark is a hairstylist and a brand ambassador for Wella Professionals. He has over two decades of experience in the industry, specializing in trendy cuts and coloring services in the Atlanta area.

RELATED

We Ask a Derm: What Is Porosity, and What Does It Mean for Your Hair?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is High Porosity Hair?

High porosity hair has the ability to absorb and retain moisture. As Carmichael explains, “This hair type typically has raised cuticles that allow moisture to easily enter the hair shaft, but also makes it prone to losing moisture just as quickly— think of it as a door that’s constantly open. High porosity hair often feels dry to the touch, looks frizzy and is prone to damage.”

What Should a Haircare Routine for High Porosity Hair Look Like?

The experts say you shouldn’t wash your hair too often, as overwashing can strip your natural oils and lead to dryness. They recommend washing your hair at least once or twice a week. Carmichael notes, “The frequency of washing high porosity is dependent on the individual lifestyle and other factors such as scalp oil production and styling preferences.” The experts also suggest implementing a deep conditioning treatment at least twice a month for more hydration.

How Often Should You Style High Porosity Hair?

For styling products, the hairstylists say stick with hydrating conditioners, hair masks, creams, oils and leave-ins. However, every hair type’s routine might differ depending on what your hair needs. “When it comes to using hair products on high porosity hair, it’s essential to strike a balance between moisturizing and nourishing the hair without causing build up or weighing the hair down,” says Carmichael. “Always start with a small amount of product and then add more as needed. The benefit of using high quality products is that you tend to be able to use less and still get the results you’re looking for.”

However, if you rely on heat tools to style your hair. Carmichael suggests minimizing your usage, especially if you have high porosity hair. “Styling high porosity hair requires a delicate balance to prevent further damage; things like flat irons, curling irons, and even hair dryers when too hot can be damaging when used regularly,” he explains. “Think of days in the week you can have a heat free styling day. Consider wearing your hair up, letting your hair air dry or wear a protective styles that can give your hair a longer break

from heat styling.”

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (25)

Chelsea Candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

  • Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
  • Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
  • Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz

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Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.

The 12 Best Products for High Porosity Hair, Vetted by Hairstylists and Reviewers (2024)

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